The Story of the Peter Mott House
The Peter Mott House is the oldest known house in Lawnside, the only African-American Community incorporated in New Jersey. Built circa 1845, the structure served as the residence of Peter Mott, and African-American preacher who started the first Sunday school at Mt. Pisgah A.M.E. Church, and his wife Eliza, within what was then called Snow Hill or Free Haven.Although no birth certificate survives, based on census records Peter Mott was apparently born around 1810. According to marriage records of Gloucester County, he married Eliza Thomas on November 2, 1833. In June 1840, the census indicated Peter Mott was a “free colored person” between 24 and 36. A female, presumably his wife, is listed. The 1850 census listed Mott, 40, as a black male laborer owning real estate valued at $600. His wife Elizabeth Ann Mott was listed as 42. In 1860, the census listed Peter, a farm laborer, with $1,200 worth of property. The 1870 valued his real estate at $1,000 and his personal estate at $250. The 1880 census listed him as 71 years old, a widower and plaster mason. Mott’s name also appears in land transactions notable the May 30, 1844 deed
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You can help restore his historic house by sending your tax deductible contributions to: The Lawnside Historical Society, Inc. P.O. Box 608, Lawnside, NJ 08045-0608
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Churches & Religion. In addition, it is included in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church series list. A significant historical date for this entry is May 30, 1844.
Location. 39° 52.032′ N, 75° 2.214′ W. Marker is in Lawnside, New Jersey, in Camden County. Marker is on Kings Court. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Lawnside NJ 08045, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Lawnside World War I Memorial (approx. ¼ mile away); Roll of Honor (approx. ¼ mile away); Jarena Lee (approx. ¼ mile away); Mount Peace Cemetery (approx. 0.3 miles away); Barrington Airport (approx. 0.6 miles away); Vietnam War Memorial (approx. 0.6 miles away); Borough of Magnolia Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.6 miles away); Families in Magnolia (approx. 0.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lawnside.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on December 6, 2014, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 646 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 6, 2014, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
